PC 11/20/96 - Laserfiche WebLink

. . . Furthermore, the Downtown Plan calls for a parking lot behind Barone's which connects to the Pleasanton Hotel parking lot. Concerns have been expressed by other merchants regarding the lack of off-street parking at Casanova's/Barone's. Staff is also aware that some parking does occur to the rear of the restaurant in an unimproved, unsealed lot; staff has a concern with this from an environmental perspective. No conditions of approval have been made regarding parking. Staff does recommend approval of Case Z-96-229 subject to the conditions listed in Exhibit B. The Commission may wish to discuss parking and decide if a condition regarding parking is necessary. Commissioner Cooper inquired as to the type of tent material used. Staff did not know precisely other than it would be flame retardant. Staff advised there are two exits from the tent; one to the outside and one to the restaurant. The applicant has satisfied the code issues with both the fire department and building department. Commissioner Cooper asked if the applicants could be made to pay in-lieu fees for the needed parking. Staff advised that since there is physical space to build more parking, in-lieu fees would not be appropriate. Further, parking studies have indicated that this is a high-demand parking area. Chair Barker inquired if the joint parking lot concept should be pursued. Staff felt that would be up to the Commission and how they would wish to encourage that to happen. Chair Barker also asked if there were any parking agreements with the bank. Staff did not know of any formal agreements; however, in the past there were informal agreements between Barones and the bank. Commissioner Cooper inquired if the Commission could condition the parking by approving the tent for year-round use and therefore eliminating the need for the applicant to reapply every year. Staff agreed that the Commission could do this. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Joseph Barone represented this application. Their intent is to develop a lot for 50-60 cars behind their residential property next to the restaurant. The tent is a flame retardant vinyl; they have met all the criteria for exits and heaters. Mr. Barone feels the tent is seasonal and should not be considered for daily use. The tent color was matched to the building color. Commissioner McGuirk asked if Mr. Barone had a proposed time line for the completion of the parking lot. Mr. Barone advised that he hopes to have it completed in 1997. Chair Barker inquired if their customers have complained about the lack of parking. Mr. Barone advised they have hired a valet service so customers do not have go to the rear lot and possibly hurt themselves. They also have an agreement with the bank across the street that their restaurant customers may use the parking lot. Commissioner Dove inquired why the tent is used for so short a time. Mr. Barone stated that he does not agree with staff's request for just a three-month period and would like to change Condition 2 to allow a longer time period. He noted that the Code allows 180 days for temporary structures. In response to Chair Barker, Mr. Barone advised he would like to have the tent up for 180 days unless that time length would impede the Commission's decision at this time. Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 November 20, 1996